New York Corps- Finger Lakes Region Environmental Education Steward

Position Summary

The Finger Lakes Region of New York State Parks sees millions of visitors from around the world each year. Parks like Watkins Glen State Park will see well approximately 1 million visitors on its gorge trail between May and October. The Overlook area Taughannock Falls State Parks is visited by as many as 2 million visitors each year. With growing attendance each year at all our facilities the need for education and interpretation has also grown. By providing education at multiple facilities our visitors experience will be enhanced by understanding how areas like our gorge parks formed, what our natural resource challenges are, stewardship work underway, the history of each site, why rules certain rules are in place and what local hazards exist. Members will help create/deliver programs that will enhance the visitor experience and help visitors that cannot physically hike the gorge trail to experience the park in a different and meaningful way.

Schedule

January 20, 2025 - November 21, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Members will help create/deliver programs that will enhance the visitor experience and help visitors that cannot physically hike the gorge trail to experience the park in a different and meaningful way. SCA members will also lead gorge tours at Watkins Glen and tours and programs at Taughannock Falls, Robert H. Treman and Buttermilk Falls State Park. Members will research and deliver programs that highlight the rich history of our parks and historic sites, including, but not limited to, Newtown Battlefield State Park. Members will research and format presentations to have solid content but to be dynamic enough to be used by multiple educators and styles. SCA members will also work with FORCES (Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship) on a variety of projects and initiatives including but not limited to HWA (hemlock wooly adelgid) surveys, mapping projects, trail work, and volunteer coordination. Members might also be asked to help staff large events in the region such as the Cayuga Lake Triathlon, I Love My Park Day, Summer Concert Series and/or Silent Movie Under the Stars. SCA members will embody the mission of NYS Parks first by helping our visitors enjoy the parks safely as well providing interpretation to substantially enhance their visit. The programs created and delivered in our parks will be seen by thousands of visitors. Programs will focus on geology, natural history, park history and local history. Members will learn how to research and create programs that are dynamic and that will be usable by multiple educators. Members will also receive instruction and training to help become very effective presenters and educators utilizing multiple styles. Second, by participating in trail maintenance and stewardship activities with regional staff and the FORCES program SCA members will be directly enhancing and protecting the natural, cultural and historical resources in ways that regional staff rarely has time to. Stewardship projects will likely include working on projects related to the invasive Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA), Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), hydrilla, and pale swallowwort, just to name a few. Along with restoration work SCA members will be part of projects that help guide management decisions and habitat restoration. FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/e66dyy93miezqn3vc1fge/2025-SCA-Position-Description-FL-EE-NEW.pdf?rlkey=3la2v4gg9jqw4k8pgrvycdbom&st=2ik6514k&dl=0

Marginal Duties

Goal 1: Member will research, design and deliver dynamic environmental education programs to a variety of audiences. Goal 2: Member will establish their own program presentation style to allow them to be comfortable leading any number of programs to a wide variety of audiences. Goal 3: Member will assist in stewardship projects that help to directly enhance or protect our natural, cultural and/or historical resources.

Required Qualifications

Is the member a High School graduate, GED recipient or working towards attaining a high school Diploma or GED? Does member agree to obtain either a high school diploma or a GED before using their education award? Does member adhere to all member eligibility requirements in §2522.200(a)? Valid driver’s license? Preferred Qualifications Skills: We seek a person with passion and enthusiasm for sharing the natural world with others Computer skills-digital design experience is a plus Comfortable with public speaking Works well in small groups and individually, as well as with remote work Comfortable working outdoors and walking 5 miles or more per day. Knowledge: Basic knowledge of area natural history (training will be provided).

Preferred Qualifications

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

A four-bedroom house located within Taughannock Falls State Park shared with three other SCA New York State Parks Corps members. The accommodations provided have cost-free utilities sans internet.

Compensation

Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $600/week

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $7,395

Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $600/week

Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance

Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps

Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans

Members will receive an AmeriCorps orientation which includes training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more.

Professional, personal, or service-related member development activities and training to be provided for member:

AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation

SCA Risk Management

Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace

SCA Driver’s Safety Training

Mental Health First Aid Training

Wilderness First Aid & CPR

Environmental Education Curriculum or Saw Training

New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events

Leave No Trace Trainer Course

Professional Development & Job Readiness

SCA Conservation Work Skills Training (Conservation Positions)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

Wilderness First Aid Training

Health Insurance

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.